Oktoberfests 2013

…I’ve never quite understood why so many Oktoberfests are actually in September. Maybe its a German thing. But one we’re especially excited about (which is actually in October) is Woodruff’s Oktoberfest Beer Dinner (966 Gravenstein Ave., Sebastopol) on Oct. 25. The menu includes housemade soft pretzels with bourbon honey mustard, potato pancakes, a trio of jagwurst, bratwurst and weisswurst with sauerkraut and apple strudel for dessert. Each course is paired with a German beer. $45 per person. Details at (707) 829-2141.

Other Oktoberfests: Windsor Lion’s Club, Sept. 28; Cotati (Oct. 12) includes a Men’s Tankard Hold and women’s beer stein race; and Barley and Hops Tavern’s sixth annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 11 in Occidental. In Napa, they’re celebrating on Sept. 21 at the Napa Smith Brewery (1 Executive Way, Napa) from noon to 5pm with a bratwurst eating contest, German polka music and that famous Teutonic tradition, the chicken dance.